English

Noun

Translations

A belligerent is an individual, group, country or
other entity which acts in an aggressive or hostile manner,
such as engaging in combat.

In times of war, belligerent countries can be
contrasted with neutral
countries and non-belligerents.
However, the application of the laws of war
to neutral countries and the responsibilities of belligerents are
not affected by any distinction between neutral countries, neutral
powers or non-belligerents. A non-belligerent may nevertheless risk
being considered a belligerent if it aids or supports a belligerent
in a way proscribed by neutral countries.

Belligerency

Belligerency is a term used in international
law to indicate the status of two or more entities, generally
sovereign
states, being engaged in a war. A state of belligerency may
also exist between one or more sovereign states on one side, and
insurgent forces on
the other side, if such insurgent forces are treated as if they are
a sovereign power. International law and practices usually require
that belligerency between sovereign states should be preceded by a
formal declaration of war prior to such warring states being
treated as belligerent states under International law. In the
absence of a declaration of war, the exercise or armed force may
follow a recommendation, decision or call by the United
Nations.

Since the beginning of the crystallization of
various concepts of international law, also called the law of
nations, the concept of belligerency and the rights and duties of
belligerent nations have continued to evolve and become codified.
In the modern context, a number of regulations relating to
belligerency were annexed to the Hague
Convention of 29th July1899,
pertaining to the laws and customs of war. The Convention contained
a specific section named Belligerents which was divided into three
chapters, dealing respectively with the following: